Ready or Not (The Ready Series Book 4)(84)

“Yes,” she managed to say through the tears.

I slipped the ring onto her finger. Everyone in the backyard clapped and cheered.

Hands wrapped around us as Noah joined in on our tight hug.

Sometimes, what you needed in life was waiting for you where you’d least expected it. Sometimes, it was right next door.

Now that I had Liv, I knew everything I’d ever need was already in my arms. Nothing else mattered.

“So, where are we going to live?” Noah asked, poking his head out to look back and forth between the two houses.

Okay, so, sometimes, some things mattered.

We’d figure it out eventually.





Liv

“Liv, you look beautiful,” Mia said, standing behind me as we both looked at my reflection staring back at us.

I looked like a bride—sort of.

Forgoing tradition, I’d chosen a simple bohemian-style dress in blush rather than white. The soft pink lace reminded me of vintage lingerie, so delicate and soft. It gathered above my natural waist with an ivory-colored sash, and it flowed gracefully to the floor.

It was the only dress I’d tried on. When I’d stepped into the tiny consignment store days earlier, I’d known the minute the woman brought it out that it was exactly what I had been looking for.

“Let’s touch up your hair,” Leah suggested, adjusting the crown of flowers she’d placed there minutes before. She sniffled and quickly dabbed her eyes.

“Are you getting misty-eyed, Leah?” I asked.

“No,” she answered swiftly. “Allergies. I’m sure of it.”

“Okay.”

I gave Mia a sideways glance, and we both smiled. Signaling to Mia, I rounded my hand and moved it over my belly. Then, I looked back to Leah. She snorted in response.

“I am not pregnant!” she said, obviously catching the silent conversation between Mia and me. “Well, I mean…not much. Just a little,” she amended.

We all looked at her, dumbfounded, and she crossed her arms in front of her.

“You guys can squeal now. I’m ready,” she said before raising her hands to her ears.

Girlish cries of joy filled the room as we all ran over to hug her.

“Well, don’t squish the poor little guy,” she said, laughing.

“It’s a boy?” I asked.

“Hell, I don’t know. It’s a tadpole right now, but Declan’s hoping for a boy.”

“We’re going to have our own football team soon,” I commented.

“Better start catching up.” Mia winked.

“One step at a time I think. I just got engaged a week ago.”

“You know, you could have waited. That is the idea behind the term, engagement.” Clare laughed.

“I never was one to follow directions. So, how much longer?”

“About ten minutes,” Leah answered, checking the clock on her phone.

A knock sounded at the door. We all turned to find my father walking in.

“Sorry to interrupt, ladies. I was hoping to have a moment alone with my daughter,” he said.

I sat down on the small stool in front on the vanity in shocked silence as my friends scattered like flies.

Traitors.

“My Livvy Lou, all grown-up,” he said with a note of sadness in his voice.

“It was bound to happen.”

“You look radiant. Truly.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” I answered, fidgeting with my fingers, as I looked around the room.

“I know I don’t deserve anything, considering everything I’ve done—or not done—but it would be my great honor to be the one who walks you down that aisle,” he said softly.

“Dad—”

“I’m dropping out of the race. I’m retiring from politics,” he announced, taking a step forward.

“What? Why? I thought—”

“I’ve been fixated on the wrong set of goals in my life for far too long. It was so long that I missed watching you grow up, and I ignored your mother. I gave up my life for my career. I need my family back. I can’t do it anymore.”

Tears stung my eyes as I looked at the man who’d once meant the world to me. He’d been my fairy-tale prince and forever hero.

Finally, he was back.

“Yes,” I said.

“Yes what?”

“Yes, I would love to have you walk me down the aisle, Daddy.”

We met halfway, and as his arms wrapped around me, I finally let go of the lost and angry girl I had once been. I would have been fine without him. I knew I would have gone on, knowing sometimes you had to make your own family and let go of your past.

But having him here beside me was like a cleansing for my soul. I didn’t feel the need to show him everything I’d accomplished and achieved. It was about making sure he understood I’d survived without his support. It was simply holding his hand and knowing he loved me.

He always loved me.

“Let’s go get you married,” he said, taking a hold of my hand.

He led me toward the backyard where my new prince was awaiting.

“I’m ready.” I grinned.

Jackson

I knew marrying someone like Liv would make for an interesting life.

I just hadn’t realized how soon that would happen.